Chapter 5
I had just parted my lips to speak when Gamma Samuel beat me to it.
“In desperate times, we act as we must. I’ve already requested punishment. If you’re angry, take it out on me,” he said.
Then his gaze hardened just a bit. “But please, don’t take it out on Larissa. And from now on… stay away from her.”
He held the whip out to me with both hands. Blood still dripped from the leather, like some twisted offering. The message was clear. If you’re still not satisfied, then go ahead–lash me yourself.
I stared at that bloodied whip. And for some reason, I laughed. A soft, bitter laugh.
1/9
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
“You really love her that much?” I asked.
“Yes,” he answered without a second of
hesitation.
“Was it her? Did she tell you I cursed her?”
He was silent for a breath. Then said, “It had nothing to do with Larissa.”
“Just answer the question. Yes or no.”
“…Yes.”
My nails bit into my palm, sharp enough to draw blood. “So between me and her, you believe her.”
“Yes.”
Three little words. Each one slicing through
2/9
Chapter 5
+5 Points
the last fragile hope I didn’t even know I was still holding onto.
Just then, a soldier rushed in, breathless. “Gamma Samuel! Miss Larissa is awake- she’s crying, asking for you.”
Samuel’s entire posture shifted. His relief was almost pathetic. He gave me a curt nod. “Excuse me.”
He didn’t even wait for a reply. Just turned around and left.
I stared after him and whispered, “You’ve mistaken glass for a diamond, Samuel. And I’ll be here… when you finally regret it.”
While I recovered, I shut myself in again.
3/9
Eventually, my father took care of some rogues that had been stirring up trouble near the territory. To celebrate, he hosted a victory banquet. I couldn’t avoid it any longer -I had to make an appearance.
I stepped into the hall in a sleek black dress and high heels. And of course, Samuel came. With Larissa on his arm.
They didn’t sit together, but he hovered near her constantly, passing her food, handing her a handkerchief before she even thought to ask.
The she–wolves around the table couldn’t stop whispering.
“Gamma Samuel is so sweet to Larissa…”
“I heard she was cursed a few days ago. He even–he took Felicia’s blood to save her,
4/9
Their voices faded as soon as they realized I was right there. I could feel their eyes, stealing glances my way.
But I didn’t react. I sipped my wine like I hadn’t heard a thing.
Someone tried to change the mood. “Talking is boring. How about a shooting competition?”
Immediately someone jumped in, “With Lady Felicia here? Who would dare show off? She’s-”
Crash.
The wine glass in Samuel’s hand trembled and tipped, spilling red across the white tablecloth. He looked up at me, stunned.
5/9
He didn’t know I could shoot?
Larissa’s face drained of color. Her fingers curled around her sleeve so tightly I thought she might tear the fabric.
I let my eyes glide lazily over both of them and smiled.
“What do you say, Lady Felicia?” someone called out. “Care for a round?”
Cheers followed, urging me on.
I rose slowly. “Sure.”
Right on cue, Larissa knocked over her own wine. It splashed all over her dress.
“Samuel…” she whispered, eyes brimming with tears.
6/9
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
Predictable.
Samuel immediately stood. “Excuse me.”
He escorted her out, and neither of them returned–not even after the shooting match had ended.
Later that night, after the guests had gone, I took a walk by the man–made lake, letting the cool wind wash over me.
“Miss Felicia.”
I turned to see Larissa standing behind me.
This time, she didn’t throw herself to the ground in a sobbing mess. I arched a brow. “Not playing the poor little victim tonight?”
She bit her lip, hesitating. Then, she dropped
7/9
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
to her knees anyway.
“Lady Felicia… do you know?” she asked, voice trembling.
“Know what?” I said, pretending not to understand.
“This is all my fault!” she cried, slamming her forehead to the ground. “I led Samuel to believe I was the one from that night at the shooting range!”
Her eyes filled with tears, but I just watched.
“I’m the High Priestess’s illegitimate daughter,‘ she said, choking back sobs. “My mother died when I was young. I was sent back to my father’s house, and my stepmother… she made my life hell. I had to work like a servant just to earn scraps of food. I never asked for anything… except
8/9
Chapter 5
+ 5 Points
Samuel. He’s my fate mate.”
She crawled forward, grabbing my skirt. “You’re a princess of the Moonfang Pack. You could have any man you want. Please… don’t take Samuel away from me. I beg you- keep the truth to yourself…”
9/9
